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Child of Fear and Fire
Fear feeds Wickedness. It hungers for the tremor of a voice, the drop of a tear. Wickedness dines on the echo of a racing heart, delights in the falsetto of a scream. Eliza lives darkness's dream. A maid in a great house, owned by indifferent aristocrats, run by their three cruel daughters. Daily beatings, tricks and cruelties by the Norlane sisters have left Eliza a mute shell, a vacant vessel besieged by fear. Yet, alone as she feels, as small and insignificant as her life seems, something is watching her. Darkness lives in the forbidden forest beyond the neat and orderly civility of Norlane Hall. Wickedness hears Eliza's silent tears, rises to the vibrations of her body that quivers in terror. Wickedness awakens from its slumber and calls to her.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2021
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1417 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 9, 2021
Eliza is a maid working for a horrible family. The three sisters abuse her mentally and physically, more often than not inflicting wounds on the defenseless maid. One night a malevolent darkness seems so call out for Eliza. Even though she’s scared, she finds the presence enthralling...
nothing is more satisfying than figuring out the reasoning behind the title / cover of the book!!!!
I read this so quickly and the story absolutely pulled me in right from the beginning. It’s heartbreaking, it’s thrilling, it’s scary, and it definitely made me question my own ethics... I was rooting so hard for Eliza to accept the darkness so she could live her best life!!
nothing is more satisfying than figuring out the reasoning behind the title / cover of the book!!!!
I read this so quickly and the story absolutely pulled me in right from the beginning. It’s heartbreaking, it’s thrilling, it’s scary, and it definitely made me question my own ethics... I was rooting so hard for Eliza to accept the darkness so she could live her best life!!
November 24, 2021
This book takes creepy to another level, it is dark! And to be honest, you have no idea where the story is heading (in a good way!). Only, that it’s kind of scary but you want to keep reading… Loved it!
Eliza is a servant in an aristocratic house. The three daughters of the family she serves are brutal. They are cruel beyond compare to Eliza.
Fear feeds wickedness… and Eliza has an abundance of it. So much so that the wickedness awakens and calls to her and well… you’ll just have to read it to find out what happens!
Eliza is a servant in an aristocratic house. The three daughters of the family she serves are brutal. They are cruel beyond compare to Eliza.
Fear feeds wickedness… and Eliza has an abundance of it. So much so that the wickedness awakens and calls to her and well… you’ll just have to read it to find out what happens!
March 15, 2022
Just wow!
Another amazing and suspenseful read by my favorite Aussie author. What a thrill of emotions! Eliza's story is painful, rageful, and wickedly satisfying. Highly recommend as a must read!
Another amazing and suspenseful read by my favorite Aussie author. What a thrill of emotions! Eliza's story is painful, rageful, and wickedly satisfying. Highly recommend as a must read!
December 7, 2021
I honestly am still trying to pick apart what just happened.
I’ll probably be back in 15 years or so, when you know, aliens find a way to infiltrate my brain and make me a smart individual.
I’ll probably be back in 15 years or so, when you know, aliens find a way to infiltrate my brain and make me a smart individual.
February 9, 2022
Additional AUDIOBOOK review:
Chilling, menacing and gloriously gothic.
I read the book when it was released, but I adore an audio version. Excellently narrated by Bridget Thomas, you are instantly drawn into the story of young Eliza, a maid at Norlane Hall. The atmosphere is subtly layered as it envelops you, something only a great narrator can do. I usually listen whilst I'm doing other things, but with Child of Fear & Fire, I found myself stopping just to listen; it's so compelling.
Original Review:
Something dark and wicked, a new kind of offering from G.R Thomas.
Eliza is a maid at Norlane Hall; daily teased, bullied and abused by the three daughters of the house. Lonely, isolated, Eliza suffers in silence. But, from the forbidden forest that hovers at the boundary of Norland Hall, something is watching... and waiting.
The author is known for her epic fantasy, great world-building with a vast cast of characters, but here with Child of Fear and Fire, G.R Thomas entices us into darkness, to wander the creepy woodland. She takes us by the hand as we follow the breadcrumbs until we cannot leave; she has us gripped until the last page.
Child of Fear and Fire is still within the fantasy realms that the author excels in, but with a sinister, gothic edge, it's a delicious delight for all those who crave a darker read. Being a novella, to fully appreciate and submerge yourself in the story, it's best read in one sitting.
I would love to read more of these sinister offerings from the author and look forward to seeing what is next.
Chilling, menacing and gloriously gothic.
I read the book when it was released, but I adore an audio version. Excellently narrated by Bridget Thomas, you are instantly drawn into the story of young Eliza, a maid at Norlane Hall. The atmosphere is subtly layered as it envelops you, something only a great narrator can do. I usually listen whilst I'm doing other things, but with Child of Fear & Fire, I found myself stopping just to listen; it's so compelling.
Original Review:
Something dark and wicked, a new kind of offering from G.R Thomas.
Eliza is a maid at Norlane Hall; daily teased, bullied and abused by the three daughters of the house. Lonely, isolated, Eliza suffers in silence. But, from the forbidden forest that hovers at the boundary of Norland Hall, something is watching... and waiting.
The author is known for her epic fantasy, great world-building with a vast cast of characters, but here with Child of Fear and Fire, G.R Thomas entices us into darkness, to wander the creepy woodland. She takes us by the hand as we follow the breadcrumbs until we cannot leave; she has us gripped until the last page.
Child of Fear and Fire is still within the fantasy realms that the author excels in, but with a sinister, gothic edge, it's a delicious delight for all those who crave a darker read. Being a novella, to fully appreciate and submerge yourself in the story, it's best read in one sitting.
I would love to read more of these sinister offerings from the author and look forward to seeing what is next.
October 1, 2021
My Rating ~ 4.75
Let me start by explaining why I gave it 4.75.
It’s simple. The first 5 chapters were longer than I’m use to, like and prefer.
That being said, it is a novella, so easy to read in one sitting especially when you add in GR Thomas’ beautifully dark & poetic prose.
I might give the 0.25 back once I reveal that … I’ve never actually read any of GR Thomas’ other works (hides in shame lol). But hang on, I make this solemn promise to you now that I will!
The story of Eliza is a dark & twisted fairytale, however unlike a quaint story of good Vs evil, in this you are actually rooting for Eliza to give into the dark. To let go of the fear. Listen to the whispers and embrace the shadows.
From a once sweet, mute servant girl, the abuse (mental, physical & sexual) she suffers at the hands of the family she works for, fuels the fire within and calls out to the malevolent entity that lingers in the depths of the forest.
This story & the writing, not only tells a deliciously dark tale reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm’s original tales, but takes you back to that time as well. It’s so elegantly old fashioned but fresh and new.
A true delight to read.
I can only hope that GR Thomas writes more in this genre even more novellas!
Recommend 100% especially now we are in October and Spooky Season is officially here!
Let me start by explaining why I gave it 4.75.
It’s simple. The first 5 chapters were longer than I’m use to, like and prefer.
That being said, it is a novella, so easy to read in one sitting especially when you add in GR Thomas’ beautifully dark & poetic prose.
I might give the 0.25 back once I reveal that … I’ve never actually read any of GR Thomas’ other works (hides in shame lol). But hang on, I make this solemn promise to you now that I will!
The story of Eliza is a dark & twisted fairytale, however unlike a quaint story of good Vs evil, in this you are actually rooting for Eliza to give into the dark. To let go of the fear. Listen to the whispers and embrace the shadows.
From a once sweet, mute servant girl, the abuse (mental, physical & sexual) she suffers at the hands of the family she works for, fuels the fire within and calls out to the malevolent entity that lingers in the depths of the forest.
This story & the writing, not only tells a deliciously dark tale reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm’s original tales, but takes you back to that time as well. It’s so elegantly old fashioned but fresh and new.
A true delight to read.
I can only hope that GR Thomas writes more in this genre even more novellas!
Recommend 100% especially now we are in October and Spooky Season is officially here!
July 24, 2021
thank you gr Thomas for providing me with a copy of this book to review.
despite being a shorter length book, I found that it wasn't at all too short. there's always a worry that a short book won't give you as much information, but I enjoyed reading it. I liked that there were no boring parts, and I remained hooked the whole way through.
I felt bad for Eliza for majority of the book. she didn't deserve the things that happened to her, and the bullies got what they had coming for them.
the best way to describe the ending of this book, is that I felt very content with it. I felt like things were wrapped up nicely.
despite being a shorter length book, I found that it wasn't at all too short. there's always a worry that a short book won't give you as much information, but I enjoyed reading it. I liked that there were no boring parts, and I remained hooked the whole way through.
I felt bad for Eliza for majority of the book. she didn't deserve the things that happened to her, and the bullies got what they had coming for them.
the best way to describe the ending of this book, is that I felt very content with it. I felt like things were wrapped up nicely.
March 19, 2022
This is my first indie book of 2022 and it is a terrific start! The period setting is realized beautifully and the suffering of Eliza is portrayed so realistically I had to stop listening. When I read the stories play out as visuals in my head and between the emotional hardship of bullying and physical harm was intense but absolutely moved the plot forward. This also helped me find another excellent narrator in Bridget Thomas who gives voice to the protagonist and villains fantastically. So a great plot, great narrator, and an absolutely welcome addition to the audible library shared by my wife and me. I hope to read more from GR Thomas soon!
November 2, 2021
Not what I expected
This is a story about a girl called Eliza who is a house girl and is tortured by the household's daughters that she calls the sisters and forced to do and say things to stop the sisters from killing her. Then one night after the latest torture by the sisters something you never would expect starts to happen to her.
This is a story about a girl called Eliza who is a house girl and is tortured by the household's daughters that she calls the sisters and forced to do and say things to stop the sisters from killing her. Then one night after the latest torture by the sisters something you never would expect starts to happen to her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2021
A huge 'thank you' to the author for providing an ARC of this devilishly dark, short read.
A good author can make their readers feel a whole host of emotions throughout the duration of a novel. A great author can evoke the same feelings during a novella. So how, then, do we describe an author who can do it all in a single chapter?
The opening pages of CHILD OF FEAR AND FIRE, a gothic tale from Australian author G.R. Thomas, pack the kind of punch that a reader cries out for, and not only does Thomas beat you without mercy, but she grabs you by the scruff of the neck and never lets go.
From the second I was introduced to Eliza, a maidservant of Lord and Lady Norlane and their brood of spoilt wretches, I was invested in her story. Though she doesn’t utter a single word, the personification of emotions, and of fear in particular, speak volumes for our protagonist, and it isn’t long before something wicked calls to her from the neighbouring forest…
Thomas’ prose is like poetry at times, such is her ability to arrange language to great effect, making delicious use of devices more commonly found in poetic verse. Indeed, things like alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia and repetition all work together to make CHILD OF FEAR AND FIRE a delightful read, perfectly juxtaposing the horror of Eliza’s reality with the beauty of Thomas’ fantasy.
“She kicked out; her sodden boot slid against the slimy wall of the well. Water sloshed out of the bucket she clung so desperately to – drip, drip, drip.”
In spite of this, I couldn’t help but feel a little worried that the ending wouldn’t meet my expectations, taking into account that this is a short novella and knowing that the ending would arrive much sooner than it would have had this been a novel. Fortunately, Thomas manages to deliver on that front, too.
This is comfortably one of the best stories I’ve read in a long while. I know that this has been promoted as a standalone (unlike the author’s previous work, The A’vean Chronicles), but I honestly hope that Thomas finds a way to take us back to the Galdrewold Forest. There’s another story or two in there, I can feel it!
A good author can make their readers feel a whole host of emotions throughout the duration of a novel. A great author can evoke the same feelings during a novella. So how, then, do we describe an author who can do it all in a single chapter?
The opening pages of CHILD OF FEAR AND FIRE, a gothic tale from Australian author G.R. Thomas, pack the kind of punch that a reader cries out for, and not only does Thomas beat you without mercy, but she grabs you by the scruff of the neck and never lets go.
From the second I was introduced to Eliza, a maidservant of Lord and Lady Norlane and their brood of spoilt wretches, I was invested in her story. Though she doesn’t utter a single word, the personification of emotions, and of fear in particular, speak volumes for our protagonist, and it isn’t long before something wicked calls to her from the neighbouring forest…
Thomas’ prose is like poetry at times, such is her ability to arrange language to great effect, making delicious use of devices more commonly found in poetic verse. Indeed, things like alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia and repetition all work together to make CHILD OF FEAR AND FIRE a delightful read, perfectly juxtaposing the horror of Eliza’s reality with the beauty of Thomas’ fantasy.
“She kicked out; her sodden boot slid against the slimy wall of the well. Water sloshed out of the bucket she clung so desperately to – drip, drip, drip.”
In spite of this, I couldn’t help but feel a little worried that the ending wouldn’t meet my expectations, taking into account that this is a short novella and knowing that the ending would arrive much sooner than it would have had this been a novel. Fortunately, Thomas manages to deliver on that front, too.
This is comfortably one of the best stories I’ve read in a long while. I know that this has been promoted as a standalone (unlike the author’s previous work, The A’vean Chronicles), but I honestly hope that Thomas finds a way to take us back to the Galdrewold Forest. There’s another story or two in there, I can feel it!
March 8, 2022
Honestly just what i needed, a short spooky read. This book gets dark real quick, I love the Carrie vibes and the Gothic nature of this novella. Can't wait to read her series which is currently on my TBR
February 5, 2023
I’ll start off by saying why I didn’t give it that extra star and it’s because I was a bit confused at the middle of the book. But that’s nothing bad as I usually am confused when starting off a new fantasy book.
From the start till the end I was intrigued.
I was so engaged in this book that I finished it within a few hours! It definitely is a book that you could finish in one sitting.
This is one of the first novellas I’ve read where I actually feel for the characters. With only 189 pages in this book GR Thomas did an amazing job of making the reader actually feel for the characters!
I honestly just love GR Thomas’ writing! Every book of hers I’ve read I have been inside the book, I actually feel like I’m in the world.
I LOVED the ending and really hope there will be a sequel! I want to know what happens next!
This is the perfect spooktober read and is great if you want a quick read to help you finish your goodreads goal!
Please go check out all of GR Thomas’ books they are all amazing! And I can’t wait to read what she comes out with next!!
From the start till the end I was intrigued.
I was so engaged in this book that I finished it within a few hours! It definitely is a book that you could finish in one sitting.
This is one of the first novellas I’ve read where I actually feel for the characters. With only 189 pages in this book GR Thomas did an amazing job of making the reader actually feel for the characters!
I honestly just love GR Thomas’ writing! Every book of hers I’ve read I have been inside the book, I actually feel like I’m in the world.
I LOVED the ending and really hope there will be a sequel! I want to know what happens next!
This is the perfect spooktober read and is great if you want a quick read to help you finish your goodreads goal!
Please go check out all of GR Thomas’ books they are all amazing! And I can’t wait to read what she comes out with next!!
July 7, 2022
Oh my! A page turner from beginning to end. This is the creepiest book I've ever read in my whole life! And I'm old!
An historical horror story that centers around a scullery maid and the strange happenings around her. I couldn't put it down!
An historical horror story that centers around a scullery maid and the strange happenings around her. I couldn't put it down!
September 19, 2021
I have read this author’s fantasy before now, and have enjoyed her epic world building in stories that are literally biblical in scale, so I was impressed to find the skills to dial that down with equal skill into a far more intimate and dark little tale.
.
Eliza’s story bears all the hallmarks of a fairy tale, (the real kind: I’m talking Grimm, not Disney). We have a mute maid mistreated in a gothic mansion populated by inhumane and repugnant characters, we have a darkness in the forest, and most impressively for me, we have a mood that flows through this story like creeping mist, building to a series of events that made me feel for all the misfortunes that befall the silent protagonist.
Thomas proves with this reasonably short and tight story that she is a confident wielder of words, able to place down layers of story like a tasty gothic lasagna of dread (there’s a blurb quote for you).
.
This is a quick and effective read, perfect for welcoming the darker nights and chill winds of autumn. Poetic prose, strongly drawn characters and a timeless feel.
.
Eliza’s story bears all the hallmarks of a fairy tale, (the real kind: I’m talking Grimm, not Disney). We have a mute maid mistreated in a gothic mansion populated by inhumane and repugnant characters, we have a darkness in the forest, and most impressively for me, we have a mood that flows through this story like creeping mist, building to a series of events that made me feel for all the misfortunes that befall the silent protagonist.
Thomas proves with this reasonably short and tight story that she is a confident wielder of words, able to place down layers of story like a tasty gothic lasagna of dread (there’s a blurb quote for you).
.
This is a quick and effective read, perfect for welcoming the darker nights and chill winds of autumn. Poetic prose, strongly drawn characters and a timeless feel.
November 4, 2021
I'm going to preface this by saying I've never read a book quite as dark as this, and I went in blind.
This book really draws you in from the beginning though; I couldn't read the pages quick enough and kept getting mad when children demanded my attention.
The story is very cringeworthy, but in a good way, in that there were many moments where I literally cringed. The authors descriptive prose is so good I felt like I was experiencing some of the pain and horror.
The whole time, you could sense there was going to be an eruption of all the pent up emotion from the main character, but it was riddled in mystery at how it would happen. You couldn't help but root for her to embrace the darkness throughout.
Partway through the book I thought perhaps we were getting a glimpse into severe mental illness, and maybe we did, I did not see things ending the way they did, or as abruptly as they did.. but it kind if worked.
The first few chapters were a little too long, I'd have liked too see then split, but that's for my own selfish need to finish a chapter before I can grab a drink, snack, take a break etc.
I would recommend this book, but caution that there could be self harm triggers.
This book really draws you in from the beginning though; I couldn't read the pages quick enough and kept getting mad when children demanded my attention.
The story is very cringeworthy, but in a good way, in that there were many moments where I literally cringed. The authors descriptive prose is so good I felt like I was experiencing some of the pain and horror.
The whole time, you could sense there was going to be an eruption of all the pent up emotion from the main character, but it was riddled in mystery at how it would happen. You couldn't help but root for her to embrace the darkness throughout.
Partway through the book I thought perhaps we were getting a glimpse into severe mental illness, and maybe we did, I did not see things ending the way they did, or as abruptly as they did.. but it kind if worked.
The first few chapters were a little too long, I'd have liked too see then split, but that's for my own selfish need to finish a chapter before I can grab a drink, snack, take a break etc.
I would recommend this book, but caution that there could be self harm triggers.
November 5, 2021
Servant to the foul Norlane family, young Eliza never voices her dark despair, despite the violence and degradation of her life. But deep within the forest, something evil has awoken and longs to feed on her gathering anger.
There's something very dark indeed about Thomas's disturbing story, leaving the reader unsure of which is the greater evil: the utterly appalling members of the family or that which lurks nearby. Subject to torture, sexual assault and the lonely abandonment of the invisible, Eliza's vengeful fate, whilst almost understandable, is still deeply sad.
Written at a leisurely pace, within a gothic style, the narrative builds its horrors, layer upon layer, with a sense of the inevitable explosion under their weight.
There's something very dark indeed about Thomas's disturbing story, leaving the reader unsure of which is the greater evil: the utterly appalling members of the family or that which lurks nearby. Subject to torture, sexual assault and the lonely abandonment of the invisible, Eliza's vengeful fate, whilst almost understandable, is still deeply sad.
Written at a leisurely pace, within a gothic style, the narrative builds its horrors, layer upon layer, with a sense of the inevitable explosion under their weight.
July 30, 2021
I was lucky enough to read an early version of this dark fantasy fairy tale with a sinister edge.
Eliza is a maid in the gothic edifice known as Norlane Hall and at the mercy of the three sisters who live under its roof. They delight in making her life a misery with cruel tricks and ill-treatment. But something is listening to Eliza, drinking in her fear and isolation. Something with its own agenda...
From the start this gave me those dark fairy tale vibes; the oppressed servant girl, the three wicked sisters, the hedgerow surrounding the hall and the dark forest beyond....all used admirably in this story of Eliza, the protagonist who never utters a word.
G R Thomas is best known for her wonderful epic fantasy series, the A'vean Chronicles. With Child of Fear and Fire she shows us her darker side and I very much look forward to more offerings of this kind.
A perfect tale to add to your list as autumn approaches and wild things roam.
Eliza is a maid in the gothic edifice known as Norlane Hall and at the mercy of the three sisters who live under its roof. They delight in making her life a misery with cruel tricks and ill-treatment. But something is listening to Eliza, drinking in her fear and isolation. Something with its own agenda...
From the start this gave me those dark fairy tale vibes; the oppressed servant girl, the three wicked sisters, the hedgerow surrounding the hall and the dark forest beyond....all used admirably in this story of Eliza, the protagonist who never utters a word.
G R Thomas is best known for her wonderful epic fantasy series, the A'vean Chronicles. With Child of Fear and Fire she shows us her darker side and I very much look forward to more offerings of this kind.
A perfect tale to add to your list as autumn approaches and wild things roam.
October 5, 2021
Fran Bow mixed with Cinderella vibes… This novella was a delightful and quick read, gritty and dark (at times uncomfortably so) and definitely best consumed in one or two sittings. Not my usual genre, but Eliza was a captivating character and while I’m not typically a fan on fairytale-esque fantasy settings, I thought the descriptions were lovely and poetic. The vivid imagery helped shape this magical world and its characters.
November 4, 2021
Great atmospheric spooky read. The book is on the shorter side, about 120 pages, but it delivers well in the space it has. Slow build up to start with longer chapters and as the story progresses, we see the pace pick up and the chapters with it. I read this over a period of 2 days and would recommend this if you want a creepy read in before spooky season is a distant memory
October 10, 2022
This delightfully dark story instantly gave me dark-fairytale and gothic-horror vibes! It's a fitting combination for this book, and who doesn't love a story about bullies getting what they deserve? It's very easy to root for Eliza, who's being tormented by three evil sisters/spoiled brats.
This isn't my usual genre at all (love a dark fairytale, but gothic horror isn't my thing), but if you love the combination of these two or just gothic horror, you'll find a lot to love in these pages! I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was beautifully done, too.
This isn't my usual genre at all (love a dark fairytale, but gothic horror isn't my thing), but if you love the combination of these two or just gothic horror, you'll find a lot to love in these pages! I listened to the audiobook, and the narration was beautifully done, too.
October 6, 2021
great spooky read!
This is a perfect read for Spooky Season. I enjoyed it as much as one can enjoy such a dark and twisted tale!
This is a perfect read for Spooky Season. I enjoyed it as much as one can enjoy such a dark and twisted tale!
November 4, 2021
I hated most of the characters in this, which i suppose was the point. This was brilliantly written. Only left with a couple questions at the end. This was a spooky, intense but i really enjoyed this!
May 2, 2022
Excellent short horror story! Horror is one of my top genres to read or to watch and GR Thomas did well to contribute to it!
Eliza is mistreated by the family she works for. Her daily terror invites dark entities igniting a lot of creepy and well written scenes.
I couldn’t put this book down. From start to finish it enticed me thoroughly.
Eliza is mistreated by the family she works for. Her daily terror invites dark entities igniting a lot of creepy and well written scenes.
I couldn’t put this book down. From start to finish it enticed me thoroughly.
November 4, 2021
I enjoyed this book even though the descriptions and chapters were long. Poor Eliza deserved better. The family she worked for were extremely evil.
August 30, 2021
A dark and passionate read which looks at how deeply fear can affect a person and their way of life.
I found Thomas’ writing brilliant as it is with all her works. While this one is quite a bit darker than her previous YA books, it has everything you’d expect in a dark gothic sort of novel.
Highly recommend this book!
I found Thomas’ writing brilliant as it is with all her works. While this one is quite a bit darker than her previous YA books, it has everything you’d expect in a dark gothic sort of novel.
Highly recommend this book!
September 26, 2022
This story is dark and unsettling from the get-go and continues to build as it progresses. Eliza goes through so many things that no one should have to -- and still continues to live another day. When an evil decides to visit her one night, it changes the whole vibe of the story and I loved it! It pulled me in and I couldn't reading until its dark and satisfying conclusion! If you're looking for a gothic story with deliciously wicked energy, please pick up this one!
January 7, 2023
I listened to the Audible edition...
Mesmerizing. Beautifully narrated. Gothic Horror.
Wow. What did I just listen to? The narration was perfect. At times I wasn’t sure as to where the story was going but that didn’t matter as I was so completely captivated by the narrator’s voice. The entire story unveils itself like a beautiful gothic poem that tugged at every emotion. I may need to read the book.
I’ll definitely read/listen to more from this author.
Mesmerizing. Beautifully narrated. Gothic Horror.
Wow. What did I just listen to? The narration was perfect. At times I wasn’t sure as to where the story was going but that didn’t matter as I was so completely captivated by the narrator’s voice. The entire story unveils itself like a beautiful gothic poem that tugged at every emotion. I may need to read the book.
I’ll definitely read/listen to more from this author.
January 20, 2023
3.75 stars.(Please read why because this is a brilliant book)
Firstly I would like to preface that this is not a genre that I am comfortable with.
I do not like scary movies, horror movies, or seriously dark themes.
I picked up this book when I purchased the A’vean Chronicles set from the same author.
This book is a short, dark fantasy and would easily be a 4-5 star rating for a lover of dark fantasy with no romance.
What I loved.
- The writing style, very descriptive and painted a clear picture in my head throughout.
- The story at its core was gripping and so well written I felt like I was in the world with the characters (and it gave me chills because it had some seriously creepy / dark moments) a real testament to the brilliant writing.
- The characters were so well described I could immediately identify and empathize with them.
What I didn’t completely love.
Please check the trigger warnings before diving into this brilliant piece of writing. The below mentioned are not a reflection of issues with the book, just my personal taste.
- The main character has some unhealthy coping mechanisms, with such descriptive writing it made me cringe internally every time (please check trigger warnings, and please note this is a ME issue, not an issue with the book)
- There was a room with creepy dolls that just freaked me out.
- There was one (very brief) description of an animal that had been killed. ( again a ME issue, as the trigger warnings are very clear in what to expect)
It is described as a dark fantasy and it is exactly what it claims to be (I’m just a massive scaredy-cat)
It really is a captivating, intriguing, unique story.
I’m really excited to dive into the A’vean Chronicles because Urban Fantasy is more my comfort zone, now knowing the writing style of the author I think it’s going to be fantastic.
Firstly I would like to preface that this is not a genre that I am comfortable with.
I do not like scary movies, horror movies, or seriously dark themes.
I picked up this book when I purchased the A’vean Chronicles set from the same author.
This book is a short, dark fantasy and would easily be a 4-5 star rating for a lover of dark fantasy with no romance.
What I loved.
- The writing style, very descriptive and painted a clear picture in my head throughout.
- The story at its core was gripping and so well written I felt like I was in the world with the characters (and it gave me chills because it had some seriously creepy / dark moments) a real testament to the brilliant writing.
- The characters were so well described I could immediately identify and empathize with them.
What I didn’t completely love.
Please check the trigger warnings before diving into this brilliant piece of writing. The below mentioned are not a reflection of issues with the book, just my personal taste.
- The main character has some unhealthy coping mechanisms, with such descriptive writing it made me cringe internally every time (please check trigger warnings, and please note this is a ME issue, not an issue with the book)
- There was a room with creepy dolls that just freaked me out.
- There was one (very brief) description of an animal that had been killed. ( again a ME issue, as the trigger warnings are very clear in what to expect)
It is described as a dark fantasy and it is exactly what it claims to be (I’m just a massive scaredy-cat)
It really is a captivating, intriguing, unique story.
I’m really excited to dive into the A’vean Chronicles because Urban Fantasy is more my comfort zone, now knowing the writing style of the author I think it’s going to be fantastic.
August 11, 2021
I was honoured to be an arc reader for this book.
I found the author through tiktok and when I had the chance I jumped at it. I can honestly say I am so glad I did.
Normally it would not be the kind of book I looked at, as I have been reading very light-hearted books.
This however has opened up so many doors to what I can read now.
I read this through my Kindle and being able to Google words I wasn't 100% sure what they meant or how they were pronounced was a great help.
The description and detail in the book allowed me to feel like I was walking alongside the characters and see/feel what they were experiencing.
Being brought into a rich and entitled family as a young girl to aid the housekeeper, Eliza has had a hard start in life. She keeps the pain to herself though and is silent. Feeling like she doesn't have anyone to turn too, even Mrs Embrey, who is like a mother to her.
Her journey to finding some sort of release from the pain the Norlane's out her through physically mentally.
This book has many twists and turns, the story is captivating and keeps your interest and concern peeked at all times.
I cannot wait to read more fromfrom G.R. Thomas
I found the author through tiktok and when I had the chance I jumped at it. I can honestly say I am so glad I did.
Normally it would not be the kind of book I looked at, as I have been reading very light-hearted books.
This however has opened up so many doors to what I can read now.
I read this through my Kindle and being able to Google words I wasn't 100% sure what they meant or how they were pronounced was a great help.
The description and detail in the book allowed me to feel like I was walking alongside the characters and see/feel what they were experiencing.
Being brought into a rich and entitled family as a young girl to aid the housekeeper, Eliza has had a hard start in life. She keeps the pain to herself though and is silent. Feeling like she doesn't have anyone to turn too, even Mrs Embrey, who is like a mother to her.
Her journey to finding some sort of release from the pain the Norlane's out her through physically mentally.
This book has many twists and turns, the story is captivating and keeps your interest and concern peeked at all times.
I cannot wait to read more fromfrom G.R. Thomas
July 24, 2021
Not going to lie, it took me a bit to get into this book. I had to re-read the first few pages a few times for my dyslexic brain to comprehend what I was reading. After that though I found my rhythm and ended up enjoying the book. I found myself connecting with Eliza and wanting revenge for the wicked things she was forced to endure. Short stories and novellas don't normally have me invested enough to be connecting with characters so well done to G. R. Thomas for achieving that with her writing. If you are into dark works of fiction then I would definitely recommend reading this book.
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